About Silicone Dolls
What is the difference between silicone and vinyl dolls?
Vinyl dolls have a cloth body with a vinyl head and limbs. The are made of vinyl which is similar to what you see in regular children’s baby dolls. The vinyl dolls in this website are reproductions of realistic baby dolls I have sculpted. They are purchased by artists who “reborn” them by painting them in many layers to achieve a look of translucency and realistic skin tones, with veins, capillaries , mottling etc. under the skin. They either paint the hair or “micro-root” it, one hair at a time with mohair. The body is weighted to create the experience of holding a real baby. The outcome is a baby doll with incredible realism.
Silicone dolls can be cloth bodied or full body silicone. The silicone dolls I currently offer are all full body, poured in one piece to look like a real baby, with no seams or joints. The silicone used is high quality medical grade platinum silicone. This makes them appealing to many because they feel soft and cuddly. Like the vinyl dolls, silicone dolls are also reborned to achieve the look of real babies, using specialized silicone paint.
Silicone dolls are more costly because the process of molding, casting and painting them is substantially more labor intensive, and the cost of silicone is much higher. The choice between silicone and vinyl can be a matter of either preference or affordability. Silicone has gained significantly in popularity over the past few years as more people discover it in online or through news outlets.
How do I learn more about silicone, the different blends, and how to care for my doll?
This blog post is an excellent primer on silicone dolls:
What is the difference between Eco-Flex 20 and Super Soft blend?
Super soft blend is popular because it’s softer so it holds the pose better. It's cushier so some people find it cuddlier. Eco-Flex 20 is a bit firmer and takes paint a bit more easily. It’s a matter of preference though.
Here is a video that shows Kaillie in eco 20 and super soft blends. The first two babies have no armature, and the second two have arm and leg armature.
I would like to buy one of your dolls, but I don't know how to paint them myself. Can I find someone who could paint one for me?
Yes. I have a list of reputable artists. If you are interested, please contact me, and I can assist you in finding someone.,
I am new to painting silicone or would like to learn. Are there any classes or starter kits?
Yes there are often excellent online and in person classes, and a number of starter kits. If you are interested, please contact me, and I can direct you to the best resources.
Orders and Shipping
How do I order one of your dolls?
If you would like to purchase a silicone doll, please contact me through this website or one of my online platforms like Facebook or Instagram. I can then send you a PayPal invoice.
Vinyl dolls are sold through my international dealers.
Do you provide a payment/instalment plan?
Yes. I like to make my dolls as accessible as possible to people. I provide a flexible layaway of six months or more if needed.
How do you take payment?
I take payment through PayPal. If you are doing a layaway plan, you can use the original invoice to make all your instalment payments.
Where are your dolls shipped from?
My silicone doll kits are shipped from Maria Lynn Dolls studio in North Carolina. The vinyl kits are shipped from select international dealers.
When do your doll kits ship out?
Kits are poured on demand, so they usually ship within 2-4 weeks after full payment is made.
Do you accept returns?
All sales are final. Customer satisfaction is very important to me, and I will do my best to address any concerns you may have upon receiving your kit.
Do you take portrait commissions?
Presently I do not do portrait babies.